Teeth whitening is a popular cosmetic dental procedure that can significantly enhance the appearance of your smile. With so many options available, it’s important to understand the different methods for teeth whitening and the benefits and risks before committing. In this guide, we will explore different options to help you make an informed decision.

And don’t worry – we’ve got your back. If you’re in Surrey or Langley, BC, and choose to get your teeth whitened at Flagship Dental, you can be confident that you receive a safe and effective dental bleaching treatment from a team of professionals with years of experience. Our team is happy to advise and walk you through the options if you don’t want to do the research on your own.

• Better Smile Appearance: A brighter smile can make you feel more attractive and approachable.
• Increase Self-Confidence: Feeling good about your smile helps with your confidence, which can lead to a better social life and career.
• Youthful Look: Teeth whitening can combat signs of aging and reverse discoloration caused by daily wear and tear.

By undergoing teeth whitening treatments at Flagship Dental in Surrey, you can achieve an aesthetically pleasing white smile. You’ll feel confident with every grin knowing your pearly whites are looking their best.

According to WebMD, teeth naturally become discolored due to various factors, such as diet or lifestyle habits like smoking or drinking coffee regularly. By investing in teeth whitening treatments, you’re also investing in your quality of life. You’ll be motivated to continue healthy lifestyle habits to continue keeping your bright and confident smile looking its best.

Teeth whitening can be done in-office or at home, with both options having their own pros and cons. One treatment is not necessarily better than the other, as it is best to find a treatment plan that suits your needs and lifestyle.

In-Office Treatments

In-office teeth whitening is done by a dentist using high-concentration bleaching agents, providing faster results and expert monitoring for safety.

At-Home Treatments

At-home teeth whitening involves using over-the-counter products or dentist-provided take-home kits with lower concentrations of bleaching agents, such as toothpaste, mouth rinses, bleaching strips, and prefilled trays. 

According to the Dental Health Society, these treatments contain the bleaching agents carbamide peroxide and hydrogen peroxide, which work to chemically alter the chemical composition of pre-existing stains on your teeth.

Dentist-provided take-home kits have custom-fitted trays with higher concentration bleach solutions than over-the-counter products, allowing for whitening on your own schedule with guidance from your dentist.

Usually we recommend our patients do a combination of both in-office whitening treatments and at-home whitening with custom trays as well.

We don’t offer UV light treatment and can’t vouch for the efficacy of it.

Risks of Teeth Whitening

Teeth whitening is a popular cosmetic dentistry treatment, but you should still be aware of its potential risks such as tooth sensitivity, gum irritation, and uneven results.

Tooth Sensitivity

Bleaching agents can cause discomfort when consuming hot or cold foods and beverages. By working with a qualified dentist, you minimize the risk of tooth sensitivity. 

Gum Irritation

It’s best to use custom-fitted trays to prevent gum irritation from bleaching agents. Always ensure you are following at-home tooth bleaching treatments carefully. It’s highly recommended to have proper instruction from an experienced dental professional before using any OTC whitening products yourself at home. 

Using products such as a recommended whitening toothpaste can also help you maintain the longevity of your white smile.

Uneven Results

Pre-existing stains on your teeth can cause uneven results, but a skilled dentist can recommend an appropriate course of action.

Tips for Minimizing Risks

• Follow all pre- and post-treatment instructions provided by your dentist.
• Avoid overusing at-home whitening products to reduce the risk of side effects. If you opt for at-home teeth whitening treatments, try to do so under the guidance of a qualified dental professional.

Get Ready for Teeth Whitening: Tips and Tricks

As with any other dental procedure, being prepared will ensure that tooth whitening goes smoothly and you’ll avoid incidences of tooth sensitivity after the procedure. Here are some steps you can take before your appointment:

• Brush and floss regularly: Good oral hygiene is key to removing plaque buildup that can affect your teeth whitening treatment. By visiting our office in Surrey or Langley regularly for cleanings, you’ll maintain consistent oral hygiene habits that will complement your white smile.
• Avoid staining foods and drinks: Skip coffee, tea, red wine, and dark-colored fruits like berries in the weeks leading up to your teeth whitening appointment. These foods and drinks can cause extrinsic stains that can cause discoloration to the outer layers of your enamel.
• Treat dental issues: Before we can begin a cosmetic tooth whitening treatment, we will need to make sure your teeth are in optimal health. We’ll address any pre-existing issues such as cavities or gum disease before undergoing teeth whitening, and we’ll map out what a treatment plan looks like for you long-term.
• Discuss tooth sensitivity: If you have tooth sensitivity, your dentist will recommend appropriate measures during the treatment process. You may experience some sensitivity during the treatment process, but you shouldn’t be experiencing further tooth sensitivity once the treatment is complete. It would be best to let us know of any concerns you may have before we proceed with any treatment plan.

How to Keep Your Smile Bright After Teeth Whitening

It’s impossible to avoid having your morning coffees forever (we know you’ll need a caffeine fix once in a while!). Of course, your teeth will naturally become discolored again over time.

You can expect to keep your whitened smile for about a year, but you can extend that length of time to two, or even three, years if you are vigilant with your proper maintenance and care for your teeth.

Don’t let your newly whitened teeth lose their sparkle. Follow these simple steps to maintain your bright smile:

• Brush and floss daily: Just because you’ve achieved a new brighter smile doesn’t mean you can slack on your oral hygiene. Keep up with your oral hygiene routine to prevent stains from occurring and maintain good dental health.
• Avoid staining foods and drinks: Coffee, tea, red wine, and dark fruits can dull your teeth and cause extrinsic stains on your teeth’s enamel. Drink through a straw or rinse your mouth after consuming them.
• Quit tobacco: Smoking or chewing tobacco can stain teeth and harm overall health. Quitting is the best way to preserve your new smile and well-being.
• Use touch-up treatments: If your teeth start to fade, consult with our team at Flagship Dental about at-home treatments like custom-fitted trays or over-the-counter products.
• Visit the dentist regularly: Professional cleanings and checkups at our dental office in Surrey will keep your teeth healthy and help us catch any issues early on. Schedule an appointment with us today.

Ready To Book Your First Appointment?

Want a brighter smile? Our team of experienced professionals at Flagship Dental knows there is no “one size fits all” when it comes to achieving the perfect smile.

There’s a reason why our dental clinic has been a trusted provider for the communities of Surrey and Langley for several years. Every person has a different vision for their dream smile. Our team will walk alongside you to find a whitening treatment that works for your needs and lifestyle.

If you have any additional questions or concerns for our cosmetic dentists, you’re welcome to call 604-576-8228 or send us an email at hello@flagshipdental.ca.